Description
This Spaghetti Pie is a delicious and comforting twist on traditional pasta dishes, featuring a spaghetti crust layered with creamy ricotta, savory ground beef in marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family-friendly meal, it combines familiar flavors in a fun and satisfying way.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Base
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 2 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ricotta Layer
- 8 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Meat Sauce
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Spaghetti: Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- Form Spaghetti Crust: In a large bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with melted butter. Stir in the beaten egg and grated Parmesan cheese to bind, then press this mixture evenly into the pie dish to create a crust.
- Prepare Ricotta Layer: Combine ricotta cheese and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, and then spread this mixture evenly over the spaghetti crust.
- Cook Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef thoroughly, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, stir in marinara sauce, and let it simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the meat sauce evenly over the ricotta layer. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the spaghetti under cold water after cooking to prevent it from sticking and overcooking in the oven.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and keep the dish lighter.
- If desired, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for a different protein option.
- Allowing the pie to cool slightly before slicing helps it hold its shape better.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
